Scenario:Medusa - Operation Play House

Operation Play House

Medusa meets Satyr, Baal, and Nezha for the first time in a while. While the four read books on the ways of mortals in a ruined hideaway, the elder of the island stops in and explains how Nezha once lent his assistance during a wildfire. The cries of a girl being attacked by a monster suddenly sound out, and Medusa rushes to rescue her.

---

A short while after leaving (Captain) and the others, Medusa arrives at the island mentioned in the letter.

She looks around, searching for her primal friends who should be awaiting her arrival.

Medusa: This should be the place. Where could those dorks be?

???: Aww! It's you, Meddy! I couldn't wait to see you!

Medusa: Aaah!

Medusa: H-hey! Don't hug me all of a sudden! Do you want to scare the scales off of me!

Satyr: Aw, c'mon! You're just too cute, Meddy! I can't help myself!

Medusa: Okay, okay! Get off me already!

Satyr: Teehee. It's adorable when you blush.

Satyr: Hey, you get over here too, Baally!

Baal: ...

Satyr: Baally couldn't wait for you to show up. He kept asking, "Is she here yet? Is she here yet?"

Baal: Watch it. You'll give her the wrong idea.

Baal: I was only irritated because she kept us waiting so long.

Medusa: That's enough! Like I said to Nezha: how bold of you to assume I'd come!

Baal: You're certainly obtuse.

Medusa: Huh! What's that supposed to mean?

Baal: The point of our meeting is to help you create friendlier relationships with mortals. That's what Nezha said, at least.

Baal: We're doing this for you. Your attitude toward mortals is always patronizing and unreceptive.

Medusa: Grrr!

Baal: Hah, my point exactly.

Medusa: Wh-who do you think you are? You're always—always—acting like you know me so well!

Nezha: So, do you think you two could finish up your usual hellos soon?

Baal: Don't you get started...

Satyr: Ah, Nezha! That means our pack of primal pals is all accounted for!

Satyr loves referring to the group of four primal friends as primal pals—much to the ire of Medusa.

Medusa: How many times have I asked you to stop calling us that? Really now...

Medusa: Anyway... Nezha, how are we actually going to learn about mortals?

Nezha: Come with me. It'd be best to see for yourself.

Medusa and the others proceed after Nezha deep into the forest.

After following Nezha for a while, the group comes to a ruined building.

Inside, the walls are covered with stacks of books from floor to ceiling.

Satyr: Wow, there's like a whole library here!

Nezha: Almost no one ever comes around here. It's the perfect place for research.

Nezha: I say we read the books that interest us and then share our findings. That way we can increase our mutual knowledge.

Baal: So... a book club?

Satyr: Hehe, sounds neat!

Medusa: A book club... How'd you find this place to begin with, Nezha?

Nezha: Eh, I had a bit of a connection.

Medusa: ...?

Confused by Nezha's answer, Medusa cocks her head to one side. But she soon shakes off her curiosity and begins hunting for interesting books.

Before long, Medusa and the others each take a few seemingly interesting volumes in hand and begin poring over them.

Baal: Hunting, fishing, planting... Do people really spend so much time procuring food? What vexatious creatures.

Medusa: Much as a spirit of play gave rise to culture, politics, religion, and similar enterprises, it continues to assume a role in the evolution of contemporary mortal life.

Medusa: Play is essential to child development, improving physical and intellectual abilities while also facilitating the maturation of competitive instincts.

Medusa: Humph... Who would've thought that having fun was so important? Here I assumed it was just a way to kill time.

Medusa: Hm, this book's titled... Mutual Understanding in Intercultural Exchange?

Medusa: This one's... A Hundred and One Ways to Deepen Cross-Cultural Friendships...

Medusa: (I wonder if you can call the relationship between me and the crew—between primal beasts and mortals—"cross-cultural.")

Medusa: ...

Satyr: Meddy, did you find some good reads? You've got such a serious look on your face.

Medusa: Aaah! N-nothing! Not a single interesting page!

Startled by the sudden query, Medusa crams the books back onto the shelf.

Medusa: Wh-what about you? Find any books that seem useful?

Satyr: Sure, there were a ton! Come here!

Just as Satyr grabs Medusa's arm to escort her to another shelf, a voice echoes from the entrance of the ruins.

???: Nezha, are you in there?

Medusa: Ack! A mortal!

Medusa: Seriously, Nezha? We got found already!

Despite Medusa's alarm, Nezha approaches the old man with perfect composure, never showing any hint of unease.

Elder: Here are the books you requested.

Nezha: Ah, thank you for the trouble.

Elder: No, no, it was nothing. I should thank you for your great kindness.

Elder: ...!
Ah, you folks are all—

The elder passes Nezha several volumes and catches sight of the other three primals. Realization strikes him, and he bows his head in reverence.

Medusa: Hey, what's this all about?

Nezha: I told you I had a bit of a connection, didn't I?

Medusa: That doesn't explain anything!

Elder: Nezha, did you not tell your acquaintances about me?

Nezha: Well, that was my intention, but perhaps the message wasn't clear.

Baal: To say the least.

Medusa: We basically understood zilch...

Elder: Heheheh... Then I will take it upon myself to elucidate.

The old man clears his throat and begins telling how he and Nezha met.

He explains that the island was once consumed by a great wildfire.

Flying by at just the right time, Nezha aided in extinguishing the conflagration, earning him the respect and trust of the locals.

Since then he has occasionally visited the island, where he likes to quietly lose himself in books.

Elder: Such being the case, I'm offering this space to Nezha as a small token of my gratitude.

Elder: He told me that you would all be visiting today.

Elder: As you can see, I'm delivering the new tomes that he requested.

Medusa: Oh, so that's what this is about. I guess I didn't need to be so surprised.

Elder: My apologies for startling you.

Medusa: You don't have to say sorry for anything. Nezha's the one to blame.

Nezha: I suppose I am.

Nezha's apologetic tone cools Medusa's anger, causing the serpentine primal to give an exaggerated sigh.

Medusa: Anyway... We're free to use this place as we please, correct?

Elder: Yes, of course. The villagers almost never visit these parts.

Medusa: Then I guess we don't have anything to worry about.

???: Eeeeek!

No sooner does Medusa attempt to relax than an alarmed voice rings out.

Satyr: Huh? What was that!

Medusa: Aaagh! It's just one thing after another!

Though irritation is evident in her voice, Medusa dashes outside.

As Medusa nears the location of the cry, she discovers a small girl under attack by a monster.

Monster: Groooar!

Village Girl: Eek! Leave me alone!

Medusa: Don't move! I'll save you!

Operation Play House: Scene 2

After Medusa defeats the monster and rescues the girl, the girl's extreme shyness prompts her to hide and watch the group from a distance. Satyr suggests that the group play house to become friends with the girl and become more familiar with mortals' customs, so Medusa begins preparations.

---

Medusa: Haaaah!

Monster: Groooar!

Medusa: Heh... That was easy enough.

Around the time that Medusa finishes off the monster, Satyr and the others arrive.

Satyr: Meddy! You aren't hurt, are you?

Medusa: I'm fine, but...

Village Girl: ...

Medusa: Can you stand up? Here, I'll give you a hand.

Village Girl: Um...

Medusa steps toward the girl and extends her hand, but the girl immediately begins trembling and runs off.

Medusa: Huh? What's up with her?

Baal: You must have been scarier than the monster.

Medusa: Don't talk about me like I'm some sort of freak!

Elder: Ah, there's no need to take it personally. That little girl is extremely shy.

Nezha: Did you bring her along, my friend?

Elder: No... She most likely noticed how often I've been coming here and decided to find out for herself why.

Medusa: See, I told you it wasn't my fault!

Medusa: But... even if she's shy, she doesn't have to run away from me...

Despite comprehending why the girl ran away, Medusa can't help but sulk.

Satyr, meanwhile, notices motion off to the side.

Satyr: There, it's that girl! She's looking at us!

Satyr points toward the girl, who is peeking out at the party from behind a tree.

Medusa: You're right... I wonder what's wrong.

Elder: I think she might be curious about you all.

Elder: But she's afraid to get too close, let alone talk with you.

Satyr: Hey, how do you think we can make friends with her?

Satyr: It would be kinda sad if we didn't try at least.

Nezha: ...

Nezha: Ah, is it perhaps time to utilize the knowledge we learned in those books?

Nezha: We've yet to test it in reality, but at least it's fresh in our minds. Perhaps it could help.

Satyr: What a great idea! Classic Nezha!

Baal: I'll sit this one out.

Nezha: Come now, helping out this once won't hurt.

Baal: ...

Medusa: Hah! I guess someone isn't confident he can handle it.

Medusa: Eh, I guess that's fine though. She'd only be scared by a mopey dork like you anyway.

Baal: If anything, it's you who'll spook her by screaming and kicking up a fuss again.

Medusa: Didn't I already say that wasn't my fault!

Satyr: Now, now, you two... Let's all get along. Okay?

Medusa and the others begin pooling their knowledge in an attempt to befriend the girl.

Their discussion concludes with the group settling on an idea.

Nezha: Playing house seems like the best option.

Satyr: Playing... house?

Nezha: It's said to be a popular game in which participants pretend to run a household.

Nezha: I once saw it described in a book as the form of play most interesting and familiar to many adolescent mortals.

Baal: So you mean to say that if we partake in this house game, the child will approach us?

Satyr: Baally, find a better way to say that! She's not an animal!

Nezha: In a manner of speaking, playing house is a simulation of skydweller life. It's sure to be a good experience for us.

Satyr: Yeah, it sounds super fun! What do you think, Meddy? Want to try it out?

Medusa: ...

Satyr: Meddy?

Medusa: Teeheehee...

Satyr: Meddy! What's gotten into you?

Medusa: All right, I'm in!

Medusa: This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about mortals! I will use every ounce of power I have to be friends with this girl!

Satyr: Hooray! Meddy's getting into it! I'm going to play my butt off too!

Medusa: (I sure am! How pathetic would it be if a primal beast like me couldn't tame the likes of a girl!)

Medusa: (I'm going to put a smile on that scared little face of hers if it's the last thing I do!)

Medusa grins, strengthening her resolve. She is prepared to play house.

Operation Play House: Scene 3

The group members try to play house, but Medusa and Baal's initial awkward interactions soon devolve into an argument. After storming off, Medusa expresses regret and is comforted by Satyr. The duo then hears a scream coming from the young girl, who is being attacked by a monster on the edge of a cliff. They strike back at the monster with Baal's help.

---

In hopes of befriending the girl, Medusa and the others get ready to play house.

Having cleared away the monsters and made the area safe, they borrow a low table, a tarpaulin, and other supplies from the elder.

After much deliberation, the roles are decided. Baal will play the role of father, Satyr the role of mother, Medusa the role of daughter, and Nezha the role of son.

Medusa: Hey, I'm home!

Satyr: Ah, welcome back. Looks like somebody had a long day!

Medusa: You bet! I was having so much fun with my friends I lost track of time!

Satyr: Everyone's already waiting at the dinner table, so hurry up, Meddy!

Medusa: Okay!

Medusa sits at the table, and the other three quickly follow suit.

Satyr: Okay, everyone, what time is it?

All Three: Dinnertime!

They pretend to put the mountains of weeds, nuts, and berries into their mouths.

Medusa: Mm, it's so yummy!

Nezha: I'd expect nothing less from our mother. She's demonstrated a masterful understanding of our palates and seasoned this food impeccably.

Medusa: Uh, that doesn't sound quite familiar if you ask me.

Satyr: Be sure to eat a bunch, everyone! There's a lot left over for seconds!

Village Girl: ...

Satyr: Ah! The girl looks interested!

Medusa: All right, let's keep it up!

Satyr: So, uh... Nezha, how'd you spend the day? Did you play a whole bunch with your friends?

Nezha: No, I was waiting for Medusa to return home.

Nezha: My life revolves around playing with my sister.

Satyr: Oh! I guess you really love your sister, don't you?

Nezha: Love? I'm not so sure about that. She asked me to play a part, and I'm following her instructions. It's—

Medusa: Aaanyway! Such a good brother, right? Waited this whole time for me to come back—come here, you!

Medusa starts to aggressively rub Nezha's head, using the moment to draw his ear closer.

Medusa: Nezha—stick to the script, you got that?

Medusa: (Grr... This is a rare chance for me to play the big sister role, you know!)

Medusa: All right now, dear baby brother. Time for me to feed you!

Medusa: Now open wiiide!

Nezha: Don't even think about it.

Satyr: Hehe, you two are just the best of pals!

Baal: ...

Medusa: Wh-what is it? You've been staring at me for a while now... Is there something you want to say?

Baal: Not really...

Medusa: Sounds like a lie. You only act like this when you've got something on your mind.

Baal: All right, let's get into it then.

Medusa: Huh?

Baal: Your way of speaking is thoroughly unconvincing. Call me Papa for now.

Medusa: What? Papa? What's wrong with saying father!

Baal: Step back and think who we're playing house for in the first place.

Baal: The girl will feel closer to us if we imitate the way that she talks to her parents.

Baal: Am I wrong?

Medusa: I suppose you're right in a way, but...

Medusa: Even so, don't you think that's going too far!

Baal: Why does this matter so much to you?

Medusa: Because I can't focus on playing house! I don't care what you say—calling you Papa would make me sound too childish!

Baal: But you are my child.

Medusa: Why do you have to split hairs about this? You're just making fun of me!

Baal: Humph. You really are just a child, aren't you?

Medusa narrows her eyes in irritation at Baal's patronizing comment.

Medusa: Really... Why'd you have to go and say something like that?

Baal: Because I wanted to. Weren't you the one who decided to be friends with the girl?

Baal: I never should've expected anything. My loss for helping you out.

Medusa: ...!
I-I don't remember ever asking for your help or anything!

The argument between Medusa and Baal grows more intense, forcing Satyr to intervene.

Satyr: Cut it out already, you two!

Baal: We've known each other for a long time, but I guess we just can't get along.

Medusa: You took the words out of my mouth!

The intervention is to no avail—Medusa and Baal stare each other down until Baal turns his back.

Baal: I'm going to go cool off.

After a brusque comment, he storms off.

Satyr: Ah, Baally! Wait up!

Medusa: Whatever. This isn't fun anymore.

Medusa: I need a change of pace too. See ya.

Medusa flies off in the opposite direction, distancing herself even further from Baal.

Satyr: Oh no... Not Medusa too...

Nezha: I see... She must be going though a rebellious phase.

Satyr: Aww, Nez, you can tell us your jokes later. We've got to follower her!

Satyr and Nezha hurry after Medusa and Baal.

Village Girl: ...

Unbeknownst to them, the girl has been hiding behind a tree and watching the series of events unfold.

Medusa: Who does he think he is!

On the far side of the island, Medusa complains about Baal to herself while looking to the skies above.

Medusa: He always—always—has such a condescending attitude. Does he hate me or something?

Medusa: ...

Medusa: Sigh... What am I even doing...

Medusa: I wish I hadn't done that in front of the girl... Getting defensive over something so small...

Medusa: Siiiigh...

Feeling guilty for her actions, Medusa lets out a deep breath. Just a moment later she hears Satyr's voice behind her.

Satyr: Ah, Meddy! There you are!

Medusa: Satyr...

Satyr: Mind if I sit next to you?

Medusa nods without speaking, and Satyr takes a seat right by her side with a friendly smile.

Satyr: Teehee! We didn't get to finish playing house.

Medusa: ...

Satyr: Guess you're going through a rebellious phase!

Medusa: Huh?

Satyr: You know what Nez said to me? Rebellion's a sign of growth!

Satyr: So you must be growing up, Meddy!

Medusa: Um... I'm not sure about that...

Satyr: I think it's really impressive how you just keep on blooming, Meddy! I should learn from you.

Medusa is at a loss for how to respond.

But after seeing Satyr's smile, her anger gradually gives way to calm.

Medusa: Looking back on it now, I guess I could've been a bit more mature.

Medusa: Sorry for always being such a pain.

Satyr: Huh? What are you talking about?

Satyr responds with a smile on her face and compassion in her eyes.

Medusa takes note, finally understanding her friend's intentions. She suddenly smiles.

Medusa: Geez... You're really something, you know that?

Satyr: Hehe. Sounds like somebody's feeling better.

Satyr: What do you say we all make up then? I know that Nez will do a good job too!

As she stands up cheerfully, a cry is suddenly heard in the distance.

Satyr: That voice... It's the girl!

Medusa: Sounds like it's coming from the cliff! Let's go!

Medusa and Satyr head toward a cliff that towers beyond the forest. The girl from earlier is sitting on the cliff's edge and trembling.

Medusa: There she is! Over that way!

Village Girl: S-sniff... Cough...

Monster: Groooar!

Satyr: There's a monster attacking her! We've got to save her!

Medusa: I know!

Medusa reflexively hurries toward the girl, but the monster is already just a step away.

Monster: Grrr!

Village Girl: Stoooop!

Medusa: (We're not going to make it in time!)

For a moment, Medusa imagines the worst.

A thunderous sound rumbles in the distance, and in an instant a bolt of lightning strikes the monster down.

Monster: Groooar!

Medusa: That lightning... Could it be!

Baal: Seems I came in time.

Medusa: Baal! I should've known it was you!

Baal: Don't worry about me. Go get that girl.

Medusa: I-I know!

Medusa: Stay right there! I'll be over in just a minute!

Village Girl: O-okay...

Before Medusa can breathe a sigh of relief, the girl peeks over the edge, loses her footing, and falls.

Village Girl: Ahhhh!

Medusa: ...!

Medusa catches the girl just before she makes impact with the ground.

Medusa: Phew...

Satyr: Meddy! Are you okay?

Medusa: Me, yeah... You?

Village Girl: Uh-huh... I'm okay.

Satyr: Great! I guess we can rest easy then!

Medusa: I'm not so sure about that.

Monster: Groooar!

Baal: So I didn't finish it off... Stubborn brute.

Medusa: Satyr! Take the girl for now!

Satyr: On it! Leave it to me!

Medusa: Better get ready! You're going to regret taking me for a ride!

Baal: Don't get in my way.

Medusa: That's my line!

Monster: Groooar!

Operation Play House: Scene 4

After the group members defeat the monster, they ask the girl why she would go somewhere so dangerous. She explains that she was hunting for flowers to make Medusa feel better. While she is thankful for the girl's show of kindness, Medusa tells her to never go anywhere so unsafe again.

---

Medusa: Aah!

Baal: Hah!

Monster: Groooar...

Medusa: Humph! What a pushover!

Baal: Seems you're still pretty sharp.

Medusa: Of course I am!

Having driven away the monster, Medusa and Baal share praise with each other before approaching the young girl.

Nezha catches up soon after, and Medusa begins asking questions.

Medusa: How come you were somewhere that dangerous all by yourself? It didn't look like you were playing.

Village Girl: Um, uh...

The girl fidgets as she hands Medusa a single flower.

Village Girl: This is... for you...

Medusa: For me?

Village Girl: You looked... kinda sad...

Medusa: ...

The girl, Medusa can see, is trying to comfort her. Feeling pangs of conscience, Medusa softens her speech.

Medusa: You picked that flower just for me, didn't you? Thank you.

Medusa: Promise me that you won't do anything dangerous again. Your life doesn't just belong to you.

Medusa: When someone you thought would be there forever is suddenly gone... It hurts like you wouldn't believe.

Satyr: Meddy...

Medusa: ...

Euryale: I do like how willful you can be at times—it's endearing.

Stheno: Right. That's one of the nicest things about you.

Medusa: (My sisters...)

Village Girl: ...

Medusa: Huh!

Medusa: Uh, th-that's what my sisters were saying anyway... It's not what I think!

Village Girl: Okay!

The girl nods deeply and beams before quickly embracing Medusa.

Medusa: Wh-wh-wha?

Village Girl: Teeheehee! Thank you.

Satyr: Aww, Meddy! Just like that, you've made another pal!

Baal: Looks like things turned out like you hoped. How about acting a little happier?

Medusa: Sh-shut it!

Nezha: Like they say, all's well that ends well.

Medusa: (Well, it's not exactly what I was expecting...)

Medusa: (But this isn't so bad either...)

Though she was initially surprised by the girl's friendly attitude, Medusa is at last able to accept it.

A gentle, sunny smile appears on her face.

Medusa parts ways with the others soon after and returns to the Grandcypher.

Medusa: Hm, hm, hm...

Vyrn: Heyo, Snake Girl! You sure seem happy!

1. The get-together went well, huh?
2. Did you have fun?

Choose: The get-together went well, huh?

Medusa: Eh, I guess you could say that.

Vyrn: Now that's a shifty answer if I've ever heard one. What's the story?

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Did you have fun?

Medusa: It's probably accurate to say it was more fruitful rather than fun.

Vyrn: Huh? What the heck's that supposed to mean?

Continue 1

Medusa: Heh-heh... I'm not telling you anything.

Vyrn: Huh! You can't be serious! Spit it out!

Medusa parries Vyrn's comments with a grin.

Though her capricious attitude has yet to change, such encounters with mortals have opened her heart a little wider.